By Sylvester Samai
The All People’s Congress (APC) has been a major political force in Sierra Leone since its founding in 1960. Over the decades, it has played a pivotal role in the country’s political landscape, both in governance and opposition. However, in recent years, the party has faced significant criticism regarding its leadership, policies, and impact on Sierra Leone’s socio-economic and political fabric.
One of the primary criticisms of the current APC is its leadership. Since the end of Ernest Bai Koroma’s presidency in 2018, the party has struggled to find a unifying and charismatic leader. The leadership vacuum has led to factionalism within the party, with different groups vying for control. This infighting has not only weakened the party’s ability to present a coherent and unified front but has also eroded public confidence in its ability to govern effectively.
The APC’s policy record, particularly during its last tenure in government from 2007 to 2018, has been widely criticized. While the party made significant investments in infrastructure, many of these projects were marred by allegations of corruption and mismanagement. The Mamamah International Airport project, for instance, was scrapped by the succeeding government due to concerns over its feasibility and financial viability. Critics argue that the APC’s focus on grandiose infrastructure projects often came at the expense of more pressing needs such as healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation.
Corruption has been a persistent issue for the APC. During its time in power, the party was often accused of engaging in corrupt practices, with high-profile cases involving government officials and party members. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) reported several instances of embezzlement, bribery, and misuse of public funds. These scandals have significantly tarnished the party’s image and have undermined its claims of promoting good governance and accountability.
The APC’s economic policies had also come under scrutiny. Despite some economic growth during its rule, the benefits were unevenly distributed, with significant portions of the population remaining in poverty. The party’s economic strategies often favored foreign investments and large corporations, sometimes at the expense of local businesses and communities. Additionally, high levels of public debt incurred during their administration have had long-term repercussions on the country’s economy, limiting the fiscal space available for subsequent governments to implement social programs.
The APC’s tenure had mixed impacts on Sierra Leone’s social and developmental indicators. While there were improvements in certain areas, such as infrastructure and access to education, these gains were often offset by persistent challenges. Healthcare, for instance, remained underfunded and poorly managed, contributing to high maternal and child mortality rates. Similarly, despite increased school enrollments, the quality of education remained low, with insufficient resources and poorly trained teachers.
Internal conflicts have plagued the APC in recent years, significantly affecting its cohesion and effectiveness. The lack of a clear succession plan following Ernest Bai Koroma’s departure has led to power struggles and factionalism. These internal divisions have not only weakened the party’s organizational structure but have also alienated many of its supporters. The infighting has often played out in public, further damaging the party’s reputation and its ability to present a credible alternative to the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).
The APC’s electoral performance has been another area of concern. The party’s loss in the 2018 general elections, despite having the advantage of incumbency, highlighted significant weaknesses in its political strategy and outreach. Critics argue that the APC failed to adapt to the changing political landscape and address the concerns of a broader electorate. The party’s messaging and campaign strategies were often seen as outdated and out of touch with the realities of the average Sierra Leonean voter.
The APC’s record on human rights and civil liberties has also been criticized. During its time in power, there were several instances of crackdowns on political opponents, journalists, and civil society activists. The party’s approach to dissent was often heavy-handed, with reports of arbitrary arrests, detention, and harassment. This authoritarian streak has continued to affect its image, with many questioning the party’s commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law.
The Sierra Leonean diaspora has played a significant role in the country’s politics, and the APC has often relied on support from abroad. However, the party’s engagement with the diaspora has been inconsistent and sometimes exploitative. While it has sought financial contributions and political backing from Sierra Leoneans living overseas, it has often failed to adequately address their concerns or involve them meaningfully in decision-making processes. This has led to frustration and disillusionment among diaspora supporters, further weakening the party’s base.
For the APC to regain its footing and re-establish itself as a credible political force in Sierra Leone, several steps need to be taken. First and foremost, the party must address its leadership crisis and present a clear, united front. This involves resolving internal conflicts, establishing a transparent succession plan, and electing leaders who can inspire confidence among party members and the broader electorate.
Secondly, the APC needs to undergo a thorough policy review, focusing on areas where it has previously failed. This includes developing more inclusive economic strategies that prioritize poverty alleviation, healthcare, and education. The party must also commit to tackling corruption and promoting good governance, not just in rhetoric but through concrete actions and reforms.
Engaging more meaningfully with the diaspora and addressing their concerns is another critical area for improvement. The party must establish better communication channels and involve diaspora members in policy discussions and decision-making processes. This will help to harness their expertise and resources more effectively and rebuild trust among this important constituency.
Finally, the APC must modernize its political strategy and outreach efforts. This involves adopting more sophisticated campaign techniques, utilizing digital platforms, and engaging with young voters who represent a significant portion of the electorate. The party needs to listen to the concerns of ordinary Sierra Leoneans and develop policies that resonate with their needs and aspirations.
The current state of the All People’s Congress in Sierra Leone is a testament to the challenges that long-standing political parties face in adapting to changing political and socio-economic landscapes.
While the APC has a storied history and significant achievements, its recent performance has been marred by leadership struggles, policy failures, and issues of corruption and governance, which have prompted many questions, including its readiness for the 2028 elections. For the party to remain relevant and regain the trust of the Sierra Leonean people, it must undergo significant reforms and address the criticisms and questions that have been leveled against it. Only through introspection and genuine commitment to change can the APC hope to reclaim its position as a leading political force in Sierra Leone.